The Growing Concern August 2023

COMPANY CULTURE

For a moment, put yourself in your employee’s shoes and ask yourself, “If I worked for me, would I be happy?”

Green Industry employees show up - day in and day out - for a myriad of reasons. For some, it’s just to pay the bills. For others, it’s because they love their coworkers. And, for others still, it’s simply the passion they have for the work itself. The truth of the matter is every employee may have a different reason for showing up to work every day, however, a great workplace culture can help improve overall employee morale and ensure they keep showing up.

So, what exactly is great workplace culture and how can it be defined, or built?

Workplace culture is a crucial aspect of any company that characterizes shared values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It influences how employees interact with each other and affects engagement, productivity, and retention. Simply put, a company’s overall success is directly proportional to how strong its culture is. This includes factors such as team interactions, leadership, communication styles, work-life balance, diversity, and inclusion. It is not something that can be purchased off the shelf but rather a combination of several components that make up the overall atmosphere in the office, or field. Understanding workplace culture is essential to building any successful, thriving organization.

Since there’s a lot to unpack here, let’s break it down a little further, beginning with the question, “Does your company currently have a mission or vision statement?

Having a clear mission statement is crucial for any company as it provides a sense of purpose and direction to employees. It also helps in aligning everyone on the same page and fosters a sense of belonging and commitment towards your company. That said, simply having a mission statement is not enough, as it should also be visible to all employees and easily recited by them.

For example, the OLA’s mission statement is to “Elevate the Landscape Profession through Advocacy and Education”. It’s in our email signatures, on our website, is incorporated into the logo we use on every piece of marketing material we distribute, and is a focal point on our boardroom wall. This statement guides the Board and our staff’s actions and decision-making and helps us all deliver what will best serve our membership. They are not just words on paper, as these items help shape the behavior and mindset of our staff and Board of Directors and give us a sense of purpose and direction. When we are aligned with a mission, it fosters a sense of belonging and commitment.

Speaking of shaping behaviors, a well-written mission statement can help frame communication styles and adherence to company policies - even something simple like following a dress code. Thinking about your place of business and your coworkers, does everyone move in the same direction and follow the rules, or are there a few people who march down a different path? Eliminating the bad apples will go a long way and send a message that poor behavior and not following rules will not be tolerated, with your core employees gaining respect in the long run. Short-term pain for long-term gain!

continued on page 6

STEPHANIE GRAY BrightView Landscape

FEATURES

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Company Culture

PERENNIAL FOCUS

Miscanthus Giganteus: A True Winter Landscaping Giant

FISCAL FITNESS

Portfolio Rebalancing FOR SAFETY SAKE

Lithium Batteries: Safe Handling, Storage & Disposal

PLANT OF THE MONTH

Actinidia arguta & Actinidia kolomikta: Hardy Kiwi

FEATURE ARTICLE

Unlocking the Potential of Artificial Intelligence: (AI) In The Lawn, Landscape, & Outdoor Living Industry

DIRECTIONS

NEW MEMBERS

ADVERTISING INDEX

OHIO’S PROFESSIONAL GREEN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

9240 Broadview Road

Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

Phone: 440.717.0002

Toll Free: 1.800.335.6521

Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org and www.myohiolandscape.com

DESIGNER / EDITOR

Rick Doll, Jr.

REGULAR WRITERS

Michael J. Donnellan, M3 Wealth Management

Dr. Jim Funai, PhD., Cuyahoga Community College

Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

Stephanie Gray, LIC, BrightView Landscapes

Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Submission deadline: 10th of the month, prior to the month of magazine publication. For advertising rates and ad specs, please call 440.717.0002, or email Rick Doll Jr. at rick@ohiolandscapers.org.

DISCLAIMER

The Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attests to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Similarly, the opinions expressed in The Growing Concern are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Landscape Association.

OFFICERS

President

Stephanie Gray, LIC

President – Elect

Cameron Maneri

Treasurer

Ryan Drake

Immediate Past President

Brian Maurer, LIC

DIRECTORS

Brandon Barker

Matt Malone

Tim McCaskey

Bob Ramser, LIC

Tom Rieder, LIC

Kate Stone, OCNT

OLA STAFF

Executive Director

Sandy Munley

Associate Director

Rick Doll, Jr.

COVER: 2023 Landscape Ohio! entry, in the category of Residential Installation, C & S Lawn Service & Landscape Inc.

AUGUST

AUGUST 3, 2023

OLA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC

Join us at Mallard Creek Golf Club for the OLA Scholarship Golf Classic! Our golf outing was created to help generate funding for our scholarship program. Call the OLA at 440.717.0002 for available sponsorship opportunities.

AUGUST 23, 2023

SNOW & ICE MANAGEMENT CLINIC

Whether you’re an owner, operations manager, dispatcher, or anyone in between, the OLA’s annual snow and ice management clinic is a can’t miss event for any company focused on improving how they handle the “white side” of their business. See pages 7 for more info.

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

PLANT HEALTHCARE DAY

This full-day workshop combines all aspects of Plant Health Care (PHC) for both technicians and managers, with live demonstrations of PHC techniques. Held at Secrest Arboretum, located in Wooster, OH. See page 33 for more info.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

NE OHIO FACILITY TOUR (Turfscape)

Founded in 1988 by George Hohman, their dedication to detail and healthy client relationships quickly led to Turfscape’s first location opening in 1989. By 1999, the company began to thrive, building a headquarters in Twinsburg, a second location in Independence (2004) and a third in North Canton (2013). Join us as we tour Turfscape’s headquarters, located in Twinsburg, Ohio, to find out what has made them so successful for over 35 years. See page 30 for more info.

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 12, 2023

CENTRAL OHIO FACILITY TOUR (Peabody Landscape Group)

Since 1982, Peabody Landscape Group has been a leading landscape company in Columbus and Central Ohio. Through careful listening, Peabody’s landscape architects and designers have identified and transformed their client’s landscapes into beautiful, functional outdoor living environments. Join us as we tour Peabody’s headquarters, located in Columbus, Ohio, to find out what has made them so successful for over 40+ years. Registration opens September 1, 2023.

OPEN YEAR-ROUND

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

• Ground Rubber Mulch

• Bulk Salt

• De-icing Chemicals (Bag & Bulk)

continued from page 3

The organizational structure and hierarchy of a company can greatly influence its culture, as well. Companies that have a more traditional top-down approach may have a different culture than those that emphasize autonomy and empower employees. However, simple measures such as having a suggestion box, or a group text can help employees find their voice and give feedback in either scenario. Moreover, leaving a few minutes at the end of a meeting for open dialogue can also contribute to a positive culture. While employees do not need to be engaged in every aspect of decision-making, soliciting feedback for some larger decisions can also be beneficial.

Additionally, providing amenities and benefits can help foster a positive workplace culture, but it’s important to ensure that these benefits are aligned with what employees actually need. To achieve this, companies may need to think outside the box and read the room to determine what will truly benefit their employees and coworkers. Something simple like a Sam’s or Costco membership or buying them boots or a special uniform or hat for a job well done are some good ideas. Another idea is, if employees have smart phones, to start a shared photo album where everyone can

post pictures of completed work. This allows them to show off a little and shine and might even foster competition and conversation.

Finally, the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace cannot be overstated. Organizations that value and embrace different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences create an environment where all individuals feel valued and can let their unique talents shine. It is crucial for leadership to establish a clear commitment to diversity and inclusion and consistently communicate and follow any written policies.

A positive workplace culture fosters collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being, while a negative culture can lead to dissatisfaction, conflicts, turnover, and reduced productivity. These aspects collectively define a workplace culture and determine the overall employee experience within an organization. Let us strive to create a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion for the benefit of all.

- Stephanie Gray LIC

SNOW & ICE MANAGEMENT CLINIC

SNOW BUSINESS SUCCESS

Whether you’re an owner, operations manager, laborer, or anyone in between, the OLA’s Annual Snow and Ice Mangement Clinic is a can’t miss event for any company focused on improving how they handle the “white side” of their business. This year’s focus will be on Solving Winter Labor Issues, What a Weather Service Can Offer Your Business & The State of Snow & Ice Legislation.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Kevin Gilbride, Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA)

Kevin Gilbride started in the snow industry in 1996 as part of the team that launched what is today Snow Magazine. As Executive Director of the ASCA, Kevin is committed to helping drive our industry to new levels, and getting the outside world to recognize both the professionalism that exists in the industry and the unfairness that the outside world places on your business.

Brian Ivey, NEO Weather

As owner of NEO Weather, Brian is all about helping others by providing a unique and detailed look at the weather forecast, as Impact based weather consulting can help outdoor businesses save massive amounts of time and money.

Kevin Mahon, Director of Snow and Ice Management at Penn Outdoor Services

Kevin is passionate about developing a strong and healthy snow program for the benefit of his clients, community, employees, company and industry. He deploys storm-specific strategies for the best snow and ice management company in their market while remaining focused on industry leading service. Kevin will be discussing the utilization of subcontractors, seasonal labor, and how to motivate your full-time employees through the winter months.

MINI TRADE SHOW

Visit industry vendors to see what’s new with displayed snow & ice equipment and products.

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE & LOCATION

AUGUST 23, 2023

8:30AM - 2:00PM

ST. MICHAEL’S WOODSIDE 5025 EAST MILL ROAD BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OH 44147

AGENDA

8:30AM - 9:00AM

REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST

9:00AM - 9:45AM

INTRODUCTION / STATE OF SNOW & ICE LEGISLATION

9:45AM - 12:00PM

PRESENTATION & TRADE SHOW

12:00PM - 12:45PM

LUNCH & TRADE SHOW

12:45PM- 2:00PM

PRESENTATION

COST TO ATTEND MEMBERS - $89 NON MEMBERS - $139

MISCANTHUS GIGANTEUS A TRUE WINTER LANDSCAPING GIANT

Towering above your landscape at up to twelve feet tall, this ornamental grass - originally from Asia - is sure to delight your client’s throughout the snowiest and blowiest days of winter. Want to know more about what this grass is and why it’s so special? That’s just what we’ve got in store for you!

A GENTLE GIANT

Miscanthus Giganteus - also called “giant miscanthus” or “elephant grass” - can reach a full 12 feet in height – that’s 10 feet of grass blades topped by another 2 feet of fluffy, flowery goodness. But rather than growing in rigid lines, it arcs softly, picking up every breeze and gust, its fan-like plumes dancing in the air.

Its wide leaves begin as a lush green during warm months, turning a deep, burnt orange during fall, before fading to a subtler shade of sandy light brown during winter.

After blooming during late spring, it spends its early days as lovely clumps of greenery until September when its signature silvery plumes appear. As a late bloomer, it pairs perfectly with other early-blooming ornamental grasses, and provides a stunning backdrop for your client’s summer perennials. As

they enjoy its soothing greenery, they can look forward to wonderful fall color, but best of all, this grass will persist all winter, providing texture, height and visual interest.

Miscanthus can take up to three years to reach its full height, but don’t worry – it can reach between 6 and 8 feet in its first year alone. That’s enough height to add plenty of winter interest to your client’s garden almost immediately.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Miscanthus prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil but it’s tolerant of a wide variety of conditions except for overly-wet or swampy soil. You can plant in sandy soil by adding fertile components such as peat or compost, or plant in clay-like soil by adding sand. You can even add sand around the plant’s roots in wet soil to make uncooperative soil more habitable.

Since 1986, VanCuren Tree Services has been Northeast Ohio’s complete tree care specialist. We provide comprehensive services for any residential, commercial, or utility tree care need.

The tree professionals at VanCuren Tree Services have helped home and business owners throughout Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio maintain the beauty, vitality, and safety of their trees.

We are proud to offer a full range of tree care services, from tree and stump removal to storm damage clean up to utility work and beyond.

To find out more about what VanCuren has to offer, visit our website at www.vancurentreecare.com, or call

a free consultation.

• 178’ 50 Ton Crane

continued from page 8

Mulching will go a long way to keeping a more even level of moisture during summer months and will also help keep weeds and competing vegetation away.

Take extra care to inform your client’s that they need to keep their new planting consistently and evenly moist but welldrained, and to apply a slow-release fertilizer. Once their plant is established after its first year, it will be drought tolerant and even better adapted to excess moisture.

Whatever you do, don’t prune this beauty too soon! It will fade and dry out, but retain its foliage and plumes through most of the winter, adding motion, texture and elegance right through February. You can trim back old, peeling foliage then, or wait until spring. Simply tie the tops together like a giant ponytail and snip about 6-10 inches from the base. Be careful not to cut away the new grass growing up at the center.

Keep Miscanthus properly watered over time, give it full to mostly sun and include fertilizer – these few simple steps will ensure that you’ll be rewarded with many seasons of yearround beauty and special winter interest.

WHY CLIENTS LOVE IT

Clients love this robust plant simply because it looks great year round, especially during the winter months when you’re otherwise convinced that everything is going to look dull and dead until spring. The sound and motion of its leaves in the wind is a multi-sensory pleasure. Its blades remain upright

all winter long and it holds up remarkably well to the most punishing winds and snows.

It makes great dried arrangements, too. Your client’s can snip a few plumes for a vase or container and they’ve got instant indoor beauty as well as outdoor interest.

Given its height, Miscanthus is perfect as a privacy screen or border, putting up a lovely barrier between their space and everything else beyond. Block out traffic noise, nosy neighbors, or just create a backdrop for a landscaped pool area, fence or patio along the edge of their property.

As an added bonus, this grass is a sterile hybrid so isn’t invasive and won’t spread itself unchecked across their property the minute they aren’t paying attention.

With Miscanthus Giganteus on your side, there’s no excuse for your client’s to suffer a drab winter landscape. With its lush greens during warm months and sturdy yet delicate-looking flowers through fall and winter, they’ll always have something beautiful to see.

This article appeared on the Grounds Keeper Inc. 1973 website in their blog section. Making outdoor dreams a reality - and the neighbors just a little bit jealous - Ground Keeper is a design-build firm specializing in Naturalistic Landscape and Pond Design. To read more of their content, visit www. groundskeeperinc1973.com/blog.

PORTFOLIO REBALANCING

Last month I wrote about managing risk and volatility but felt there was more to point out this month. As the first half of 2023 has come to an end, now is an important time to review investment portfolios, whether in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, a 401(k) or other retirement plan.

With the U.S. stock market rebounding from a sharp 2022 decline, interest rates rising at an unprecedented rate and forcing an inverted yield curve, oil down over 20% from a year ago and an ongoing war in Ukraine, most portfolios will be overconcentrated or under-exposed in some industries or sectors. Diversification and balance can help mitigate risk in a portfolio.

The S&P 500 index consists of most, but not all, of the largest companies in the United States. The S&P represents approximately 80% of the total US stock market capitalization and is a commonly used benchmark for stock portfolio performance in America and abroad.

The top seven stocks in the S&P 500 have overwhelmingly contributed to the first half 2023 return. Those seven companies: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Nvidia, Tesla and Meta are all up between 38%-193% for the first half.

Now, the important part of this equation is that these seven companies make up 27.5% of the S&P 500. Although the index is comprised of 500 companies, it is not balanced evenly between each company. The larger the company, the larger the weighting in the index, which is called market-capitalization weighting. Apple, the largest company in the world, contributes over 7% of the weight of the index.

continued on page 14

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN M3 Wealth Management

While there are U.S. companies suffering from labor shortages, there are non-immigrants available to come work and fill those vacant positions. If you are a business professional experiencing labor shortages; we want to hear from you. Call today and learn how our Employment Based Visa services can help your company.

Temporary H-2B & Permanent Green Cards EB-3 Agents

“MY OVERALL EXPERIENCE WITH NAVY FINANCIAL WAS EXCELLENT! I RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY WITH HIGH REGARDS.”

- Jessica / Mercer County, Ohio

THANK YOU ELI FOR ALL YOUR ASSISTANCE, YOU HAVE BEEN A VALUABLE RESOURCE FOR ME AND MY COMPANY! YOU HELPED US SAVE SO MUCH MONEY AND TIME, THANK YOU AGAIN!

- Jesus Perez / Milan, Ohio

I AM VERY THANKFUL TO JO FOR BEING ABLE TO EXPLAIN AND WALK US THRU THE H2A PROCESS. SHE HANDLED EVERY STEP OF THE PROCESS FOR US, I THINK WE ONLY NEEDED TO SIGN AND COVER COST. I HAVE SAVED A TON SINCE ENTERING THE PROGRAM, THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.

- William / Manheim, Ohio

From left to right; Olena Fayfurka, Eli S. De Los Santos, Joanly De Los Santos, and Ivionette Vélez-Gerena

continued from page 12

For comparison, the 250th largest company in the S&P 500 is Delta Air Lines, which contributes less than a tenth of onepercent of the weight in the index. Even Disney, which is one of the 50 largest companies in the S&P 500, contributes less than a half of one-percent to the index.

So, you can see how the largest companies can really influence the returns of an index. Just running these numbers, if the top-seven returned 50% for the year and the other 493 companies did nothing, the index would be up 13.7%. And portfolios are reflecting the fact that broad-based portfolios are underperforming the S&P 500 in the first half of 2023.

These large tech companies have become overweight in portfolios. It’s difficult to have to sell the winners, but we equate it to prudent maintenance of a portfolio. Think of it as picking some fruit or trimming the hedges. That’s healthy for a garden and the same applies to an investment portfolio. Taking some profits and planting new seeds into other investments is the key to maintaining a diversified portfolio and reducing risk.

With interest rates significantly higher than a year or two ago it now gives investors an opportunity to add some stability,

liquidity and predictability to a portfolio. US treasuries, corporate bonds and municipal bonds offer yield that we haven’t seen in more than a decade. All bonds are not created equal, which can be customized for investors based on their risk tolerance and time frames.

History has proven that diversification is key to managing risk in a portfolio. Some of the more recent market events include:

• Technology stocks made huge gains from 1998 through the first quarter of 2000. Without rebalancing, the technology stocks would have consumed a large portion of the portfolio. The overall portfolio would have taken a large hit if still over-weighted in technology in the last nine months of 2000 when the Nasdaq fell over 50%.

• In 2007, oil and natural resource companies posted huge gains, outperforming all other sectors. Without rebalancing, this sector would have consumed a large percentage of the overall portfolio. In the last six months of 2008, oil plummeted from $147 per barrel to around $40 per barrel, sending a wave of selling throughout the industry, and portfolios overweight in the oil sector took large hits.

• 2008 saw the financial sector suffer the worst loss since the Great Depression. Without rebalancing, financial stocks probably made up a smaller percentage of assets than they should. The financial sector rebounded sharply over the next decade, but most portfolios were probably underweight this sector during that run.

Rebalancing is important because any mix of investments will get out of whack over time. Your bond funds won’t grow at the same rate as your stock funds (and usually will not lose as much). Your domestic and foreign investments will post differing returns, and funds following different investment styles will behave differently from each other, too.

That shifting mix matters. You had a reason for dedicating a certain portion of your portfolio to U.S. stocks, a certain portion to foreign, and so on. You built your portfolio to reflect your investment goals and the level of risk that you’re comfortable with. But if your portfolio has drifted far enough away from that original mix, it will no longer be the same fit for you.

Even mutual funds can be concentrated in the same stocks or sectors. For example, you might have five mutual funds

from five different mutual fund companies and think you are diversified extremely well. Chances are that the top holdings in those funds could be identical.

Make sure periodic reviews are conducted on your portfolio. Talk with your financial professional to review and rebalance when necessary.

Scenarios illustrated are hypothetical in nature, results may vary. Investing is subject to risk which may involve loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

The M3 Wealth Management Office does not provide legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice.

Michael J. Donnellan specializes in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments at the M3 Wealth Management office at 17601 W. 130th Street – Suite 1 in North Royalton, Ohio.

Phone number (440) 652-6370

Email: donnellan@m3wealthmanagement.com

Securities and advisory services offered through L.M. Kohn & Company

Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA/SIPC/MSRB

10151 Carver Rd. Suite 100 – Cincinnati, Ohio 45242

(800) 478-0788

LITHIUM BATTERIES

SAFE HANDLING, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL

Lithium batteries are used for many things, and they are very safe. But proper use, handling and storage are important for keeping workers safe on the job.

COMMON USES OF LITHIUM BATTERIES

Lithium batteries are used in many devices present in the workplace. They include pretty much all computers, cell phones, cordless tools, watches, cameras, flashlights, some mowers and hand-held maintenance equipment, and vehicles ranging from golf carts to electric cars. Batteries of all types are useful because they allow us to store energy for use whenever it is needed. However, storing energy is inherently dangerous, and batteries can overheat through a process called “thermal runaway.” This means that the temperature and pressure inside one or more battery cells increases faster than the heat can be dissipated. This can happen for many reasons, such as external heat sources, internal shorts, or other malfunctions. Fires involving lithium batteries can be difficult to extinguish. They can also produce irritating and toxic fumes.

TYPES OF LITHIUM BATTERIES & THEIR HAZARDS

Lithium metal batteries are almost always single-use, nonrechargeable batteries. Lithium ion batteries are usually rechargeable. They use lithium ions found in lithium compounds to create a chemical reaction. Lithium ion batteries are more stable than lithium metal batteries, but they can still generate heat, catch fire or even explode.

HAZARDS OF LITHIUM & LITHIUM COMPOUNDS

Lithium is a soft, silver-white alkali metal that reacts with water, including the moisture in ambient air. Lithium is flammable, and can spontaneously ignite. It must be encased in a compatible substance such as petroleum jelly so it cannot contact moisture or anything else. It is corrosive to skin and other metals, and toxic if consumed in large enough

continued on page 18

continued from page 16

quantities, and releases toxic vapors if burned. Most incidents happen when the battery’s shell is damaged and the lithium is exposed to air/moisture. Lithium compounds contain lithium ions which are individual lithium atoms. These are different from pure lithium metal. They tend to be much more stable, though they can still be corrosive, irritating or toxic.

SAFE HANDLING & STORAGE METHODS

When working with lithium batteries in an occupational setting, people may be managing large numbers of batteries. It’s important to wear all required protective equipment, including eye protection. Preventing shorts by protecting battery terminals from contacting each other is a fundamental safe handling and storage practice. Battery terminals should remain covered, if possible. Care should always be taken when handling batteries. Using excessive force to remove batteries from a device can cause damage, so be careful. Batteries should only be charged according to manufacturer’s instructions. Any swollen, dented or otherwise damaged batteries should be disposed of.

Batteries should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry area kept between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be stored away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and water. Batteries should be stacked so that they’re stable and won’t be bumped, knocked over or otherwise damaged. Never

stack heavy objects on top of batteries or devices containing batteries. Lithium metal batteries should be isolated from other types of batteries and all batteries should be isolated from flammable or explosive materials.

LITHIUM BATTERY DISPOSAL

Most types of lithium batteries are considered either regular solid waste, or universal waste, depending on the exact battery. Universal wastes are regulated by simplified rules that make disposal easier than if they were considered hazardous wastes. However, there are some types of lithium batteries that are classified as hazardous wastes. Some types of lithium batteries can be recycled; some types cannot be recycled. It may be necessary to consult a qualified person or other resource to find out what the proper disposal method is for the battery you have. In some cases, you may be able to just throw the battery in the regular trash. In other cases, you may need to take it to a recycling or other type of facility for proper disposal.

LITHIUM BATTERY SPILL CLEANUP

If a lithium battery is damaged and the contents spill out, precautions must be taken to prevent anyone from contacting the spilled material. Only people with proper training should attempt to clean the spill. If the spill involves a lithium metal

battery, the area should be evacuated until a qualified person can be called in to respond to the spill. If battery contents get on the skin, the area should be flushed with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Call for medical attention if necessary. Gases or vapors from batteries must not be inhaled. If you think someone has inhaled gases or vapors from a lithium battery, get them outside or into another area away from the battery, and get medical help.

CONCLUSION

Lithium batteries are, by and large, a safe and reliable source of portable energy. However, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the saying goes. Knowing a little about the types of lithium batteries, their potential hazards, and safe handling and storage of lithium batteries will go a long way toward ensuring your safety and the safety of your coworkers, employees, or even your family. If you are not sure about how to dispose of a battery, whether a battery is safe, or have any questions about lithium batteries, there are many online resources, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

This article appeared on the SafetySkills website, located at www.safetyskills.com. SafetySkills designs, develops and deploys need-specific training content, focused on things like emergency response to hazardous material incidents, hazardous waste cleanup and chemical stockpile incineration.

quality lawn seed mixes

turf/ornamental fertilizers

erosion control products

forage/wildlife seed mixes

hydroseeding products

custom seed mixes

wildflower seed mixes

Member of the Ohio Landscape Association for over 25 years. Members of the GCSSA, Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, and ONLA

JIM FUNAI, PhD

Cuyahoga Community College

SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

ACTINIDIA ARGUTA & ACTINIDIA KOLOMIKTA

HARDY KIWI

While discussing this month’s article candidates, we realized we don’t spend enough time talking about vines and their uses. We’d like to remedy that by introducing you to an interesting vine that can either annoy or please you, depending on how you situate it.

Actinidia is a genus of around 60 species, all native to China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan, extending north into parts of Eastern Russia and south into the Indochina Peninsula. While some of the species are woody shrubs that can reach into the 20-foot range, others are much smaller shrubs, and many are deciduous vines.

In grocery stores, you will find fruits called Kiwi - grown from the species Actinidia deliciosa - which produces the most commercially viable fruit crop. There are historical records mentioning the cultivation of these fruits as early as the 12th

century Song Dynasty in China, with a more robust history being accounted for in early 1900s New Zealand.

Originally, these fruits were exported to nursery growers in New Zealand in the late 1800s, and by 1924 their cultivation led to the first named variety still most widely grown today, ‘Hayward’. The common name given to this fruit was Chinese Gooseberry because New Zealanders thought the flavor was similar to Gooseberry (no relation). Then, in 1959, the name was changed to Kiwi, in homage to New Zealand’s national bird, a brown, furry-looking bird going by the same name.

continued on page 22

The fruits of Actinidia arguta ‘Issai’.

continued from page 20

While A. deliciosa continues to be most widely grown in New Zealand, California, and Italy, we would have a difficult time keeping them viable in our Ohio winters. Enter the “Hardy Kiwi” selections.

Actinidia arguta and A. kolomikta are two species that hold the name Hardy Kiwi, and rightfully so, with cold hardiness down to USDA zone 4. Both are deciduous vines and both are dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants). Flowers on both males and females are mildly ornamental with a greenish-white color to the 6 petals. Flowers are borne in clusters along the stems at leaf axils in May. The flowers have a pleasant, light fragrance, but they can be easy to miss as they hide among the leaves. These plants are very good at supporting pollinators and can be found buzzing with life during bloom set.

The fruits of Hardy Kiwi are a little smaller than the grocery store version, yet still quite edible. Keep in mind, these aren’t crabapples we’re talking about! They are still Kiwi fruit, and as such, display as an egg-shaped, brown, fuzzy fruit!

Something else to keep in mind is that these are vines and there are facts to be faced when dealing with vines. Vine type plants evolved to grow much less lignin than most woody plants, and as such, must climb something to access the sunlight they need. This is a clever niche they’ve found, but to be successful, they need to grow fast and vigorously. At times, this leads us to hate vines (ever try to control a runaway Wisteria, or Trumpet Creeper?). However, with good planning, vines can serve a role no other plant in our pallet can. Typical growth of these vines is like most. Expect it to keep climbing along whatever structure you give them. They are twining vines, so they need something to wrap around, because they won’t stick to your siding and/or brick, like other vines. An excellent application, I our opinions, would be hiding an ugly chain-link fence. Would you rather look at the fence, or a lush wall of green that - in this case - will provide edible fruit, as well?

Vines can also be utilized on stand-alone decorative structures with great results. Think of creating privacy panels with various vines to help break up the industry over-reliance on Green Giants.

A. Kolomikta ‘Arctic Beauty’.

As a vine, Hardy Kiwi requires a higher level of maintenance to keep things looking good and fruit production optimal. In winter, a dormant pruning of major branches to between 8 and 10 buds is ideal for controlling growth and stimulating bigger fruits. A second round of pruning in mid/late summer is usually prescribed to help control the wild growth from early summer and spring.

Both of these species will benefit from as much sun as you can provide them, though they will tolerate some shade. Soil can be almost anything with less-than-ideal soils helping to pump the breaks on growth rates.

Actinidia arguta will likely only be available in the trade as the cultivar ‘Issai’. This unique cultivar is polygamodioecious (bisexual flowers mixed with male flowers or bisexual and female), which means it can be self-pollinating (fruits without the need for both a male and female plant present). This species/ cultivar is best as a utilitarian/edible landscape selection rather than for ornamental traits. Fruits show up early in the summer and are on the sweet side, making this a wonderful choice for edible gardening.

Actinidia kolomikta has two noteworthy cultivars on the market that bring more of an ornamental appeal to the landscape (along with tasty fruit). If possible, plant both the male and female plants near each other for the best fruit set on each.

A. Kolomikta ‘Arctic Beauty’ is a male form with stunning variegated foliage that looks like the tips and edges of the leaves were dipped in white or pinkish/red paint. The tri-color effect is like no other plant in the landscape and well worth the increased maintenance to add this highlight.

A. kolomikta ‘Red Beauty’ is a female version that holds a deep red color in new growth providing an interesting contrast to the older growth. Fruits are also more ornamental with a red blush to them rather than potato brown. In autumn the fall color is often a bright red adding to the seasonal interests of this vine.

We hope you give these beautiful and functional fruiting plants a shot in the landscape and help improve the diversity of all of our landscapes!

Jim Funai, PhD. is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP accredited associate of applied science in hoticulture degree program. He has a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist. Shelley Funai is Grounds Manager at Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio, which offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. She is Landscape Industry Certified in Ornamental Plant Care.

While artificial intelligence has been a hot topic since the release of the generative AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT, you’ve likely encountered AI for longer than you realize. Whether it’s self-driving vehicles, autonomous robotic lawnmowers, chatbots, or Netflix’s recommendation algorithm, AI is everywhere, and it’s here to stay.

This cutting-edge technology promises to revolutionize the way businesses operate, but harnessing its power requires understanding its potential; it has the potential to optimize your operations, enhance the customer experience, and drive growth.

AI helps unlock valuable insights from data to help you make more informed business decisions, automates processes to help you save time, and is a tool to optimize your creative effortsand this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

But what does this mean for the green industry? ChatGPT, and others like it, is free, although they offer a paid option to test new features. Even the average lawn, landscape, and outdoor living business owner can up their game with this technology, making it essential to level up to stay ahead of the competition.

Using AI to your advantage saves time and money but requires a strategic approach as we learn more about its effects. As HALSTEAD co-owner Corey Halstead says, “AI, like ChatGPT, has fundamentally changed the world,” the sooner you train

your team members to use it, and to integrate AI into your workflow, the better. If you haven’t started leveraging the power of AI in your green industry business yet, now is the time.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The difference between ChatGPT and the AI we saw before is the level of sophistication. Whereas chatbots have predetermined responses, ChatGPT generates responses based on the context of the conversation, creating a personalized experience. It allows the average person to have human-like conversations and generates creative content following almost any guidelines the user provides. With this capability, many business owners are contemplating replacing humans with AI. After all, AI is more efficient, more intelligent, and, in the case of ChatGPT—free, for now. But it’s essential to know its limitations.

AI’S LIMITATIONS

AI only knows what it knows - or only the information it has been given. It does not have current access to content on the internet. It cannot generate innovative...

continued on page 26

LAKESIDE SAND& GRAVEL

• Screened Topsoil (Stored in a hoop house on site.)

• Granite & Sandstone Boulders

From 8” to 12’+ priced per ton and per piece on request. 1’-2’ granite and 2’-3’ granite available, presorted, for immediate pick up.

• Mixed Boulders (Available for immediate pick up.)

• Washed Gravel, Concrete & Mason Sand.

• Crushed Gravel & Limestone products available. -

continued from page 24

...new ideas, have original thoughts, or replace human creativity. While AI possesses remarkable data analysis, pattern recognition, and prediction, its limitations highlight the irreplaceable value of human ingenuity and emotion.

Simply put, there’s a level of industry expertise that AI simply does not have without real-world human experience. You want the content on your business blog to be accurate and reflect your thought leadership in the industry. Completely relying on AI to create content for you will not establish you as a leader in the industry.

ETHICS OF AI

AI has no moral compass or ethical code but simply presents information logically - albeit well-composed. It can also provide inaccurate information, presenting it as factual. While many believe ChatGPT is not plagiarism, it’s still left to the user to verify that the content provided is original. Using tools such as Originality. AI can be effective in ensuring you’re not inadvertently plagiarizing.

Human oversight is essential, not only for ethical oversight but for ensuring the content created is in line with your business’s voice and tone. Using AI without fact-checking and editing its content is a horrible mistake that could have consequences - including legal ramifications. Plus, ChatGPT’s knowledge is limited to information available as of 2021, so it’s not up-to-date.

GOOGLE SEARCH RANKINGS & AI

HALSTEAD advises landscape industry companies to be cautious with AI content right now, especially because we don’t know what future search penalties could entail. While Google does not penalize AI-generated content currently, it can detect when content is high-quality or low-quality, and it favors highquality content by giving it a higher search engine ranking. Successful green industry firms know that quality content helps search engine rankings, and this has been what drives search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.

THE IMMENSE POSSIBILITIES OF AI

While these cautionary considerations are important, remember that AI is continually learning. The more experience the system has, the smarter it gets. While there may be some speed bumps along the way, you can expect AI to become better with time.

When green industry businesses learn to leverage AI to automate basic tasks and gain cost savings, they can put their focus on

the tasks that require original thought and strategy. What is considered a basic task that AI can handle is uncertain and is something that will be determined over time.

When you think of AI as a helpful tool, there are immense possibilities for streamlining your workflow and becoming more efficient. It’s a fantastic tool to use to get started with content creation.

MARKETING & CREATING CONTENT USING AI

With 80% of marketers planning to create more content within the next year, being able to create content at scale is essential. Because of the limitations we’ve discussed, AI won’t replace the need for a writer’s or content manager’s intuition, but it’s a game-changer when it comes to creating quality content.

Using AI content tools to assist you in the creative process helps you become more efficient while creating unique and original content. For example, ChatGPT can generate a response to an email from an angry customer or draft a letter from the owner for your website, which you can review and pick and choose which sections you include and which you eliminate.

ChatGPT is an excellent source when experiencing writer’s block. Writing the first paragraph of any written piece is often the hardest part of crafting it. With ChatGPT, you could enter your proposed topic into ChatGPT and ask it to write an engaging introductory paragraph. It may also spark ideas about additions you can make to your content to make it more valuable. You could also ask it to expand upon an idea that you’ve started writing about or ask it to rephrase something you’ve written when it’s not sitting quite right with you.

The ultimate goal is efficiency and higher productivity, and AI-powered content tools help streamline the content creation process. By utilizing AI in content creation, you can significantly boost productivity by automating repetitive tasks, such as proofreading, grammar checks, and formatting. This allows content managers to focus more on strategic aspects of their work.

USE AI TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE

Top landscape industry firms know how important providing exceptional customer service is. It helps you build a positive online reputation, reinforces your brand, and strengthens your company culture, just to name a few benefits. AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants that...

continued on page 28

continued from page 28

...help schedule consultations that fit your schedule allow for 24/7 availability, enhance response times, and reduce time spent on such tasks. Plus, its ability to personalize each interaction creates a seamless experience for the customer.

AI can be used to gather customer feedback and to identify trends, patterns, and potential issues for proactive resolution. Your CRM can be set up to automatically ask for feedback after a job is complete, directing the customer to share their feedback on Google Reviews - helping you build your online reputation.

Integrating AI into your business website or social media platforms can also be especially helpful. Provide information about your services and answers to frequently asked questions, and this could eliminate calls as prospects can get the answers they need from the chatbot. If you have this feature on your social media platforms, you can have the chatbot provide specific links to the answers on your website, helping lead the prospect further into your sales funnel.

DATA-BASED DECISIONS & PREDICTIONS

Imagine predicting customer needs for your services by using AI to analyze customer behavior. For example, this information could help target those needing lawn fertilization services. AI can anticipate customer needs and offer relevant solutions, whether a targeted ad on Facebook or adding a previous customer to an email campaign list.

The ability to analyze data is powerful and helps with segmentation. In fact, AI has transformed how businesses can make data-based decisions. This segmentation allows you to tailor your marketing messages and content to specific customer groups, increasing their relevance and effectiveness. Not only does it help increase conversions by targeting the right people, but it helps provide exceptional service in the meantime.

AI AS A SALES & CUSTOMER SERVICE TOOL

Your sales team can use AI to gather helpful information to help sell a project. For example, they can ask ChatGPT what

plantings would thrive in the specific conditions of a prospect’s property and receive a list of possibilities that they can share with the customer to help them envision what their new planting beds might look like.

While a salesperson can ask ChatGPT for common objections for a particular project type and use the information to help prepare for a sales meeting, AI is especially useful post-meeting, being used to automate tasks such as follow-up emails.

In fact, AI can help draft your email responses and messages for you, too. Suppose you are unsure how to respond to a particularly negative email from a customer. In that case, you can put the email content into ChatGPT and ask it to craft a professional response with good customer service. Not only does this help you quickly craft a response, but you learn how to handle negative emails if you get them in the future, a concept true for all AI-created content.

CONCLUSION

While AI lacks emotions and cannot replicate the depth of human emotional intelligence, it already plays a crucial role in forming meaningful connections with customers and prospects, empathizing with their needs, and tailoring marketing messages accordingly. That said, human marketers can tap into their emotional intelligence to understand the subtle nuances of human behavior, adapt to different communication styles, and evoke emotional responses that AI cannot replicate.

By combining AI’s analytical power with human ingenuity and emotional intelligence, marketers can create powerful strategies that balance data-driven decision-making with creative innovation.

This article was supplied to us by the Content team at Halstead Media Group. As one of the OLA’s newest member benefit providers, Halstead Media is a leading all-in-one digital marketing and recruiting solution for commercial and residential landscape, lawn care, and outdoor living businesses. Find out more at www. halsteadmedia.com

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE & LOCATION

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

TURFSCAPE

8490 TOWER DR., TWINSBURG, OH 44087

AGENDA REGISTRATION

5:00PM to 5:30PM

FACILITY TOUR

5:30PM to 7:45PM

NETWORKING/FOOD SERVED

7:45PM to 8:45PM

COST TO ATTEND MEMBERS: NO CHARGE NON MEMBERS: $50

REGISTER TO ATTEND BY SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

NORTHEAST OHIO LANDSCAPE FACILITY TOUR Turfscape

Turfscape (Twinsburg, OH.) got its start in 1988 when Founder, George Hohman began his entrepreneurial journey by operating out of his parent’s garage. His dedication to detail and ability to foster healthy client relationships quickly led to Turfscape’s first location opening that next year at the old drive-in movie theater in Richfield, OH.

By 1999, Turfscape began to thrive, building a headquarters in Twinsburg, OH along with a second location - added in 2004 - in Independence, OH, and then a third - in 2013 - in North Canton.

In 2021, while the company was sold to American Landscape Partners, it continues offer services under the name Turfscape, and their existing Branch Manager, Bob Ramser, was shortly there-after named President in 2022.

SPONSORED BY EMERALD SPONSOR

Turfscape is proud of their exciting history over the past several decades and owe their gratitude to the hundreds of clients and team members who’ve partnered with them along the way. At the heart of all of it remain their core values:

• Do the Right Thing - Don’t cut corners. Their clients get their best every single day.

• Defend the Culture - Encourage your peers, remember what’s important & value our clients.

• Continuously Improve - With a hunger for learning and hearts of teachers, strive to be better.

• Have Fun - Enjoy the work, laugh together and celebrate with clients.

• Turfscape Passion - Have an ownership mentality, truly care about the clients, and always go above and beyond.

Join us, September 21, 2023 as the Turfscape team gives us a peak into what has made them so successful for 35 years. Space is limited.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS YEAR’S MEETING SCHEDULE ARE NOW AVAILABLE. CALL 440.717.0002 FOR INFO.

HOSTED BY

Botson Insurance Group is an expert at insuring companies in the green industry. With over 25 years of experience in protecting landscape contractors, we understand your business and know what it takes to keep you up and running if and when something unfortunate happens. We offer over twenty-five (25) industry specific landscape insurance coverage policies.

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL.

• Group Health, Owner & Employee Life Protection

JOIN US FOR THE 54th ANNUAL FIELD DAY

September 14, 2023 at Rusty Oak Nursery

In addition to our tradeshow, we are focusing on promoting careers in the green and horticulture industry. We are inviting students from around the state of Ohio to be a part of this year’s trade show. We had 150 students participate in last year’s event.

Field Day brings together industry leaders, growers, suppliers, innovators, landscapers & educators.

Don’t miss the food trucks, fun, education, conversations with your colleagues & opportunities to promote our industry.

See you in the FIELD!

Pre-registrations free, $5 Walk in fee 9am-4pm

Over 100 Exhibitors celebrating the Green Industry in an outdoor festival/ tradeshow.

Cutting edge plants from liners to specimen.

OSU researchers & educators on hand.

Industry demos.

Food Trucks (lunch is not included with price of admission).

WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR VENDORS & SPONSORS

PLANT

by

EVENT INFORMATION

DATE & LOCATION

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

SECREST ARBORETUM WELCOME & EDUCATION CTR.

2122 WILLIAMS RD., WOOSTER, OH 44691

AGENDA ARBORETUM TOUR (OPTIONAL)

8:00AM - 9:00AM REGISTRATION/BREAKFAST 9:00AM - 9:30AM

PLANT HEALTHCARE DAY

E

Plant Healthcare (PHC) services are a great way to enhance your landscape business by providing higher quality service to clients, opening additional revenue streams and giving your company an advantage over the competition. Designed for both business owners and employees, this clinic will focus on live demonstrations of proper planting techniques and how to determine what to do when elements - such as pests and diseases - take their toll on your plant material. Attendees will have access to a wide range of plant material including trees, shrubs, perennials..

EVENT TOPICS

Pre-Conference tour of Secrest Arboretum

• Lead by Arboretum Curator, Jason Veil

Classroom Learning Sessions

• Introduction to Plant Healthcare (Integrated pest management vs. Plant Healthcare)

• Scientific focus: Beech leaf disease & other diseases/pest to be on the lookout for.

Outdoor Learning Sessions

• Root Collar Health & Air Spading

• Proper Tree Planting

• Pest vs. Disease Identification

• Right Plant, Right Place: Choosing the Correct Site for Plants.

any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full. Register early as class size is limited and will sell out quickly.

2023 PLANT HEALTHCARE DAY / REGISTRATION CLOSES 09/06/23

(Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147)

Sponsored

MELISSA ROBERTS Membership Coordinator / OLA

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST EMPLOYEE

Say Hello to Melissa (pictured above)!

I don’t have to tell you that hiring is always a difficult task. We have been down a staff member since 2019 and when COVID hit, we made a conscience decision to not replace a staff position because of the unknown budget ramifications.

With COVID in the rearview mirror, we recently hired a Membership Coordinator, Melissa Roberts, who started on May 8 and has been doing a fantastic job for us. She fits right in with Rick and has already helped with - and attendedboth our Landscape Ohio! Awards Gala in June and our NEO Plant ID Clinic in July – so odds are some of you may have already met her.

Melissa brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously worked in the trucking industry and at the Ohio BMV. Her extensive background and passion for serving others makes her a valuable addition to the OLA family.

Growing up in Garfield Hts., Ohio, Melissa has a deeprooted connection to the local community. Her dedication to her family is evident in her 18-year marriage to Johnny Roberts, and her commitment to raising their four children, aged 10, 12, 14, and 18.

Baseball is a family affair for the Roberts. The whole family has a passion for the sport. Her 10 and 14-year-old boys play on travel teams. As dedicated baseball enthusiasts, the family hasn’t missed a home opener since the pandemic. Recently, their love of baseball led to a memorable family vacation to the Dominican Republic, where they experienced the vibrant baseball culture and shared unforgettable moments together.

“Joining the OLA is an incredible opportunity for me,” says Melissa. “I am thrilled to be working close to home, allowing me to be near my children and provide flexibility in my schedule to balance work and family life effectively.”

Born as the oldest of four siblings, Melissa has a strong family bond. Her father, a retired police officer, and her mother, working for the state of Ohio, instilled in her a sense of responsibility, discipline, and community service that aligns perfectly with OLA’s core values.

I am so happy to have Melissa as part of our team and I hope that you will give her a warm welcome. As Membership Coordinator, Melissa’s primary duties include keeping our database of members and helping with registration and events, but she’s happy to help with anything. Melissa can be reached at membership@ ohiolandscapers.org or, by phone at the OLA office.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

REGULAR MEMBERS

Tuttle Landscaping

25 Ridgewood Drive

Norwalk, OH 44857

(614) 563-7422

Tim Tuttle

LJ Landscaping

26025 Broadway Avenue

Oakwood Village, OH 44146

(216) 695-6755

Brettlyn Kelly

Malaga Designs LLC

3870 Lake Park Dr

Brecksville, OH 44141

(440) 476-3331

Steve Malaga

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

DiCillo Services LLC

PO Box 241097

Mayfield Heights, OH 44124

(216) 571-3847

Nick DiCillo

Valley Truck Centers

5715 Canal Rd

Cleveland, OH 44125

(216) 524-2400

Brian O’Donnell